NBA – Australians in the playoffs
The number of Australians playing in the world’s premier basketball league – the NBA – has increased in recent years and with it so too has interest in the league in Australia.
With the playoffs fast approaching, here is a look at the teams with Aussie players who have a chance to make a run to the finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Matthew Dellavedova
The Cavaliers had a poor start to the 2014/15 season, sinking to a sub .500 19-20 record early in January. However, a rejuvenated LeBron James after a two week rest and gaining key trade recruits in JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov has seen Cleveland clinch the second seed spot in the NBA Eastern conference and go on an 18-game winning streak at their home court. Cleveland looks to be in good shape in the lead up to the playoffs having won key games over strong Western conference teams including the league leading Golden State Warriors.
Backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova has been impressive throughout the Cavaliers’ good run and has recently picked up valuable extra playing time prior to the playoffs with starting guard Kyrie Irving being rested by Cleveland coach David Blatt. While reports suggested Cleveland would attempt to offload him prior to the trade deadline this year, Dellavedova has impressed both on the court and in practice earning him public praise from teammate and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James.
San Antonio Spurs – Patty Mills & Aron Baynes
The Spurs have been running hot as of late, currently enjoying an 11-game winning streak including two wins over the strong Houston Rockets. Like the Cavaliers, the Spurs had a below expectations start to the season but have managed to storm back into championship contention. The reigning NBA champions have plenty of post-season experience, led by forward Tim Duncan who has won a total of five championships with the team.
Backup point guard Patty Mills has enjoyed plenty of media spotlight in Australia in recent times particularly after playing a pivotal role in the Spurs’ championship win in the 2013/14 season. Mills plays off the bench as a reliable and energetic reserve for starting guard Tony Parker. Despite having off-season surgery, Mills has returned healthy and will be looking to impress once again come play-off time. Aron Baynes was also part of the team which won an NBA championship last year. Playing as both a forward and centre, Baynes comes off the bench for veteran Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter.
Golden State Warriors – Andrew Bogut
Led by MVP candidate and sharpshooter Stephen Curry, Golden State will finish the season with the best win loss record in the NBA. Curry and teammate Klay Thompson have earned the ‘splash brothers’ nickname in light of their scorching form from beyond the 3-point line this season, with Curry having broken the record for most 3-pointers in a single season just recently. The Warriors have been the benchmark team for just about the entire season and have continued to play well leading in to the playoffs, avenging two recent losses to New Orleans and San Antonio with convincing wins over Minnesota and Portland. Coach Steve Kerr is looking to give key players including Curry, Klay Thompson and likely Australian Andrew Bogut some rest through both sitting out and playing limited minutes leading up to the playoffs.
Starting Warriors centre Andrew Bogut has found success in Golden State after being drafted 1st by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2005 NBA draft. After suffering major injury setbacks in past seasons, Bogut has stayed healthy this year and has played a vital role in the Warriors’ impressive season. An imposing presence on defence, Bogut will need to continue to play well in the playoffs if the Warriors are to make it all the way to the finals. The most established Australian player currently in the NBA, Bogut has proven himself to be one of the greatest Australian players ever to play in the league.
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